NIB to meet Aer Lingus parties

The National Implementation Body is to hold separate meetings with unions and management at Aer Lingus today to clarify the position…

The National Implementation Body is to hold separate meetings with unions and management at Aer Lingus today to clarify the position of both sides in the dispute over proposed cost-cutting measures.

The State's industrial relations trouble-shooter is expected to issue recommendations aimed at resolving the dispute no later than next Monday.

A planned strike by staff at the airline was suspended earlier this month pending the outcome of a NIB review process to deal with the row over the €20 million cost-saving plan.

Under the NIB process, a mediator was appointed to conduct an analysis of the company's cost-cutting proposals and their implications for staff.

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Unions insist that airline moves to withhold pay increases due under Toward 2016 until proposed cost-cutting measures are implemented are in breach of the agreement.

But the company says it is operating in a highly competitive market and its future depends on an ability to respond to the changing environment.

Its position, therefore, is that until cost-saving measures are implemented, a pay freeze will apply to all employees.